The best way to remember those who have died -- is to stop making more of them.
The United States has approximately 800 formal military bases in 80 countries, a number that could exceed 1,000 if you count troops stationed at embassies and missions and so-called “lily-pond” bases, with some 138,000 soldiers stationed around the globe. This isn't diplomacy. It's Empire. And too many fine, young Americans have died serving the Empire and not defending America.
Our war dead, by in large, believed that they were being sent to fight to protect America or to secure freedom for those who were oppressed, but all that war hasn't made America any safer. And when war fighters return home and wake up to the reality of their exploits, they can feel a sense of guilt and helplessness that is hard for others to understand. Civilians and the media call them a hero, but they had no victory... because the war is ENDLESS. Their buddies died for nothing. And no one understands the survivors' guilt.
If America fights a war, it should be: 1) as a last result. 2) have clear and well-understood objectives (not... "to spread democracy"). 3) won quickly with overwhelming violence and commitment to victory. No more nation building. No more global police force. America First.